Massive Homecoming party arranged for Frampton
Carl Frampton looks set to be welcomed home in style this coming weekend.
A major homecoming event is to be staged for the two weight World champion.
‘The Jackal’ arrived back to his native Belfast last Saturday, but will get an official homecoming this coming Friday.
Celebrations are to due to take place at Belfast City Hall from 4:30.
“I am honoured that the city of Belfast is hosting a homecoming event for me,” said Frampton.
“I’m a working-class lad from Belfast and I’m delighted that I’ll be able to celebrate my World title win with the people of this great city.”
The homecoming has been organised by the City Council and Stormont’s Department of Communities and aims to give boxing fans unable to travel to New York to support Frampton as he beat Leo Santa Cruz an opportunity to show their support.
Excerpts from Frampton’s two championship fights will be shown on large screens as the fighter, his family and friends talk about his achievements and future ambitions.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Brian Kingston, said: “The whole city wants to pay tribute to a fantastic fighter who is a role model not just for his sport but for sport in general and what it can contribute in life skills and opportunity.
“He is hard working, determined, focused and a first-class ambassador for Belfast – he never forgets where he comes from and often pays tribute to it and its people.
“At Friday’s event our people can pay their own well-deserved tribute to him – an extraordinary champion and an even more extraordinary man who has his roots firmly planted at home.”
Communities Minister Paul Givan said: “Through his historic win over Santa Cruz, Carl has once again put Northern Ireland on the sporting map.
“Thousands of boxing fans from here travelled to New York to witness his remarkable win, whilst tens of thousands cheered him on from back home. This is testament to the high esteem and affection that people have for The Jackal.
“I was keen for an event to be staged as soon as possible once Carl came home to mark his success so that all fans could come together to celebrate his success. I trust it will be a great occasion.”
The homecoming will run from 6pm to 7pm on August 12 with entry on a first-come, first-served basis.
Boxing demonstrations by local fighters will take place in the grounds of Belfast City Hall from 4.30pm.
